Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Visitation will be 4:00pm-6:00pm, Friday, November 1.
Donald was born on May 30, 1951, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Scottsbluff, to Jake and Tabea (Siegfried) Rein. He grew up in rural Gering and attended Cedar Valley School and Gering High School, graduating in 1969. Following his graduation, he studied architecture and engineering at Nebraska Western College. In 1971, Donald joined his parents in the family farming operation and sharecropped with Don Colson and Charles & Elizabeth Yount.
On January 31, 1988, Donald and Pamela J. VanHausen were married in Gering, Nebraska. Together, they farmed in the Cedar Valley area for over 50 years. As their family grew, their grandsons would work alongside them in the summer months. During this time, they were recognized with awards for high yield production for dry edible beans and from Great Western Sugar Company.
Donald was known for his collections and interest in John Deere farming equipment and collectibles throughout his life. He was a superior target marksman, earning numerous awards and trophies. Other interests were restoring antique tractors and collecting vintage pistols and rifles. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed building his coin collections and stamp collection. Donald also later pursued wood working and lapidary.
Donald was described as a very unique man. He was meticulous in his field of farming, as well as in his many hobbies. He was loved and admired by his family and friends. Before he was hospitalized, Donald was most proud of the fact he was able to complete early voting in this year’s election.
Survivors are his wife, Pamela; stepson Steven (Michelle) Owens and extended Chris Anderson family – Owen, Noah, Bella, Lorelai, and Chad Good; stepdaughter Sundae (Samuel) Clay and children – Troy, Summer, Conner, and Joseph; great grandchildren Jace and Devlyn; sister Paulette Rein Yarnall (Michael); as well niece/nephews and cousins. Goddaughter Laura VanHausen and her dad Donald; sister-in-law Vickie Rojas.
He was preceded by his parents and grandparents and sister-in-law Crystal VanHausen.
Please make donations in his name to Samaritan's Purse.
